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USA Football Betting Guide For 2024

Flag Of The United StatesFootball is the most popular sport in the United States in terms of viewership and the amount of betting action it receives. Millions of people tune in each week to watch both the NFL and college football, and research has shown that billions of dollars are wagered on professional and collegiate football at USA sportsbook sites each year.

A large percentage of all bets on football take place at offshore betting sites – becoming the biggest market in the online sportsbook industry. It is our mission to provide you with current information for betting on football and list our recommendations for the best offshore betting sites to wager on NCAAF odds and NFL betting lines.

Table Of Contents

    Best Online Sportsbook To Bet On 2024 Football Games In The US

    Top Rated BadgeWhen it comes to football betting on both NFL and college football games, Bovada Sportsbook is one of the safest and most reputable betting sites out there. They offer competitive odds, attractive bonuses, and a strong selection of wagering options.

    Whether you want to make straight bets, teasers, or live betting odds, Bovada offers it all. They actually offer the best parlay odds around for exponential payouts.

    New players can take advantage of our exclusive 50% bonus up to $1,000 on your first deposit to the site.

    Top Rated US Online Sportsbooks Offering Football Betting Odds In 2024

    Site NameCurrent BonusRating /5U.S.Visit Site
    1Bovada Logo50% Max $1,0004.9USA AcceptedVisit Site Review
    2MyBookie Logo50% Max $1,0004.5USA AcceptedVisit Site Review
    3Betonline Logo50% Max $1,0004.3USA AcceptedVisit Site Review
    4BetUS Logo100% Max $2,5004.2USA AcceptedVisit Site Review
    5Bookmaker Logo50% Max $5004.2USA AcceptedVisit Site Review
    6xbet logo50% Max $5004.2USA AcceptedVisit Site Review
    7Sportsbetting.ag Logo50% Max $1,0004.1USA AcceptedVisit Site Review

    Is it Legal to Bet on NFL and College Football Games in the US As Of 2024?

    Legal Certificate IconYes, and the state you live in will determine whether you must be at least 18 or 21 years of age to bet on football games. Only a handful of states have legalized local sportsbooks following the repeal of PASPA, and 48 states, along with Washington D.C., do not prohibit residents from using offshore betting sites to wager on the NFL and college football.

    For more legal information, including the U.S. Supreme Court repeal of PASPA and to find out the specific sports betting laws of your state, visit our guide to sports betting laws in the United States.

    Types Of Baseball Bets

    Different Types Of Football Leagues To Bet On In The United States

    USA Football leagues 2022

    The USA’s Best NFL Betting Websites

    More action is taken in on NFL odds in the United States than any other sport. No matter what state you are standing in, some form of legal NFL betting is available by using a domestic or an offshore gambling site.

    The best options for online NFL sportsbooks are represented in the above list. These online sportsbooks operate offshore from an international location where they can legally offer NFL betting odds to US-based patrons.

    We find these to be the finest online sportsbooks that offer Super Bowl betting, NFL betting lines, as well as NFL Playoffs betting odds for each postseason game in America. Every state in the USA is covered across the online NFL sportsbooks we recommend.

    NCAAF USA Betting Sites

    NCAA Football logoCollege Football odds is one of the top revenue drivers at sportsbooks around the USA, and wagering is not limited to the fall months. No matter what time of year it is, NCAA Football odds populate the boards at our favorite online sportsbooks for betting on the CFP, National Championship Game winner, and more.

    College Football betting lines are a chief component at any reputable gaming venue, but only the NCAAF sportsbooks we list within this guide provide thousands of prop bets, futures, and more, to all states within the USA.

    Regardless of what section of the country you’re trying to place a football bet in, the number one options are included in the NCAAF sportsbook sites listed in this guide.

    XFL Football

    xfl sports betting sitesNo level of professional football is left out in the cold when using the services of a top offshore sportsbook like we endorse here at USASBS. While XFL odds may be sparse at domestic books, that’s not the case at the international sports betting sites that we do our betting business with.

    Each regular season game and playoff contest will feature game lines and odds at the XFL betting sites that top our list, and we advise that readers consider joining more than one for line shopping purposes. Don’t miss a single XFL bet when it returns to action in 2023.

    USFL Football

    USFL logoAnother spring league that made a comeback in 2022 is the United States Football League, and already, USFL betting lines are a common sight at international gambling sites. USFL odds for each game, props, and championship futures can be wagered on 24 hours a day from all states in the USA.

    Domestic sportsbooks have yet to wholly adopt betting on the USFL but the overseas gambling sites we prefer don’t wait for in-state venues to set the tone. In fact, the opposite is true, as offshore USFL sportsbooks have paved the way, and domestic sites are unable to keep up the pace.

    Betting On FCF Games In The United States

    fcf logoEven though the rules and regulations involved with Fan Controlled Football games are confusing even to those involved in the league, online football betting sites have taken the reigns and posted FCF odds for all to wager on in the United States.

    Fans have a say in the play-calling tactics of their favorite team, and can also place FCF bets online at the offshore sportsbooks sites that are included in our top rankings. You can search around trying to find a domestic book to handle Fan Controlled Football betting, but only our top international sportsbook sites currently accept wagers on FCF betting odds.

    Mobile Football Betting Apps Available In 2024

    Mobile college football appsWhile some US states offer regulated mobile sports betting apps, the entire country is able to access football betting odds using iPhones, iPads, and other popular Apple and Android devices when seeking out the services of our top offshore football sportsbook sites.

    While domestic apps require a download, all that is needed to bet on the NFL, NCAAF, or other football odds using popular smartphones and/or tablets is to click on any link to the mobile sportsbooks we post within this page.

    Mobile web browsers instantly pull up the latest NFL, and college football odds and allow for 18 and over gamblers to lay some action whenever, and wherever, they choose inside the USA.

    How to Bet on NFL and NCAA Football – Beginner Tips and Guide

    If you’re a rookie looking to make a profit in the NFL and college football betting world, you need to know a few things before taking the snap and placing your bet.

    Knowing the game of football

    Whether your bets are on the NFL, college football, or both, you need to have a deep understanding of the differences between the two and how the game is played in both from a historical and current perspective.

    Knowing statistics, including trends like how much turnovers factor into wins/losses and why passing yards per game is valued more than ever in today’s game, will set you up for long-term success.

    Choosing a safe sportsbook

    The next step is choosing an option that is safe and secure. Each of the offshore sportsbooks featured on our site has been reviewed by our team to ensure they are legally authorized and use the latest encryption methods for deposits and withdrawals.

    We’ve vetted each site by placing bets over extended periods of time to make sure each one pays out winnings in a timely manner. Additionally, state-licensed sportsbooks are a safe option where available.

    Practice responsible betting techniques

    After signing up at a sportsbook, determining how much money you can deposit is the most important step and should solely be based on your current financial situation.

    Betting on football should never cut into your living expenses or savings. Only deposit what you’re willing to lose and treat your bets like a stock market investment, where you’d be able to afford everything in your daily life should the worst happen.

    Learn to manage your bankroll

    Coupled with practicing responsible betting techniques is developing proper bankroll management. There is no such thing a “safe” or “sure” bet and going “all in” on single betting line is not smart. Never bet more than 3% of your entire bankroll on a single NFL or college football line and limit yourself to 15% in total wagers per week.

    This will minimize how much you lose over time and create a steady return on investment when you win. Additionally, this method gives you a chance to analyze your bets on a week-by-week basis and allows you to re-think your predictions by looking at what went right and what went wrong.

    Become familiar with the types of bets

    For bets on professional and collegiate football, there are numerous types of bets you can make. If you’re just starting out, then stick to these four until you become more familiar with betting in general.

    Points Spread: A set number where the favorite (-) has points taken away from its predicted margin of victory and must win by more than the line indicates. The underdog (+) can win the game or lose by no more than the set number.
    Example: Clemson (+6) vs. Alabama (-6)

    To Cover: Alabama must win by 7 points, Clemson can win or lose by 5 or fewer points

    Money Line: A line where the favorite is given higher odds (lower payout) and the underdog is given lower odds (higher payout). This type of bet is solely based on which team wins the game.

    Example: Rams (+155) @ Saints (-175)

    Payout: Rams bet needs 100 units to win 155 units, Saints bet needs 175 units to win 100 units

    Totals (Over/Under): A set number on the predicted total points scored by both teams and a bet must be placed on whether the combined score from both teams will go over or under the set number.

    Example: Patriots @ Chiefs, Total Point 57

    O/U win: Over wins with 58 or more points, Under wins with 56 or fewer points

    Futures:  A set of odds released weeks or months ahead of an outcome being determined. Note: Don’t tie too much of your funds in futures since it’s more efficient to increase the size of your bankroll by betting weekly as opposed to waiting months for a potential payout.

    However, betting a small amount requires little investment and could set up an opportunity to hedge your bet later.

    Example: Odds to win the Super Bowl LIII: Saints (+175), Chiefs (+250), Patriots (+325), Rams (+350)

    Payout: If the team wins Super Bowl LIII: Saints return 275 units, Chiefs return 350 units, Patriots return 425 units, Rams return 450 units

    Prop Bets: Prop bets are much more common with NFL betting and include NFL season props, NFL player props and NFL team props. 

    Super Bowl props are also very popular and include betting lines for the commercials, national anthem performance, half time performance, as well as broadcasting props. 

    While college football prop betting is not as plentiful, these lines do emerge from time to time.

    Stay updated on injuries and roster news

    Football is a game full of injuries and staying up-to-date on who’s active, questionable, and out is important when determining how much a player can (if at all) contribute toward a team winning on game day.

    Furthermore, roster additions and departures can be a benefit or a detriment depending on the player involved. Following the news and using social media is a great way to accomplish these things. Just be sure to stay away from the opinionated news and posts because remember: They likely don’t have any skin in the game.

    Don’t bet on your favorite team

    Finally, the last bit of advice for beginners is to avoid betting on your favorite NFL or college football team. You’ve likely rooted for a team for several years or maybe even several decades and cheer for them to win every game they play.

    This inherently creates bias since fandom skews reality and makes you believe your team can always win even when they mathematically can’t win. Objectivity and remaining neutral is the only way to make predictions as clear as possible.

    And don’t take this as “stop being a fan of your favorite team.” You’ll put money on and against all teams eventually, but betting against your favorite team is something that goes against the inherent nature of being a “fan” and can create problems in the future. To avoid these issues, just stay away from betting on games that have your favorite team as one side of the matchup.

    Online Football Betting: In The USA

    When placing an online football bet, gamblers inside the United States have a few options to choose from depending on what state they are standing in. Here are some key differences between domestic and offshore sports betting sites.

    OffshoreState Regulated
    Minimum Age18 At Most SitesVaries Between 21 And 18
    AvailabilityAll US States Are CoveredSome States
    RestrictionsNoneSome Regions Forbid Local College Betting, No Election Betting
    Funding OptionsUSD, CryptocurrencyUSD Only
    Mobile BettingYes, Web-BasedSome States, Requires Download
    Cross-State BettingYesNo
    Bonus Cash OffersAlmost 100% ParticipationVaries From Book To Book

    Another perk of offshore sportsbook sites is their ability to post dozens of prop bets for each game, as well as exotic wagers that grant patrons many different angles for laying some action on their favorite sport.

    This is especially true when betting on the Super Bowl each February, as there are literally thousands of SB props scattered across our preferred online football sportsbooks.

    Are More Bets Placed on NFL or College Football Games?

    question iconUntil the last few years, NFL bets undeniably reigned supreme and have historically exceeded the amount wagered on college football or any other sport for that matter. With the expansion of sports betting across the land, will that hold true as more people gain access to betting options, noticeably affecting wagering dynamics?

    According to Michael Lawton, an analyst for the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the split for NFL vs NCAAF bets has traditionally been 60-40 in favor of the pros. Lawton added that college football has started gaining. Lawton is not the only expert to see this trend. Long-time bookmaker Jimmy Vaccaro also told the New York Times in 2017 that he had witnessed betting on college football games at one Nevada sportsbooks exceed NFL betting by as much as $400K.

    There could be several reasons for this.  Bettors are more informed than they were before the information age, and many more people are recognizing that the unpredictable nature of college football lends itself to more flawed lines that end up in the bettor's favor, something you see less often for NFL betting lines.

    Another reason could be the NFL's less favorable status among fans during the Anthem protests.  Reduced viewership and game attendance are among indications that at least some fans were 'not a fan' of the protests. The protests did impact public perception of team dynamics to some degree, which may have led bettors to question the risk factor.

    So while NFL betting has seen the most action, college football betting threatens to run the pros out of the end zone. There simply isn't much data out there that breaks down the numbers between NFL and college betting statistics since the repeal of PASPA, however, we expect this to change as sports betting becomes more widely accepted in the United States and therefore monitored more closely.

    Legal USA Football Betting FAQs

    No matter where you place a football bet online, gamblers will need to sign up as a member and deposit funds. Our top offshore football betting sites allow for USA-based gamblers to join at the age of 18, and the process of creating an account and depositing funds with cryptocurrency or traditional USD methods can be done within minutes. Click on any football sportsbook link provided within this guide and click the join button to sign up today.

    Each state varies in its local sports betting laws, but that’s not the case when gambling on Super Bowl odds using an offshore sportsbook site. State and federal gambling laws do not govern offshore sportsbooks, and thus, they allow Super Bowl betting from patrons aged 18 and over within the USA. 

    Football betting lines consist of the point spread, moneyline odds for winners, and the over/under. Gamblers can choose one or more of these options within a football betting line to lay some action on, or they can wager on prop bets that cover other in-game occurrences like statistical totals for teams and players. There are also live odds for in-game betting on football contests that allow for wagers to be placed in the aforementioned categories between the first and fourth quarters.

    Football Point Spreads: This is a negative or positive amount of points that oddsmakers list that anticipate how much a team will win or lose a game by. In order for football spread bets to cover, the favorited must win by more, or the underdog must lose by less, than the margin.

    Football Moneylines: In football game lines, props, and futures, moneyline odds are in play that grant payouts to gamblers that wager on the correct outcome. Football moneyline odds can be listed in the negative or positive, and the option with the lowest odds is the most favored. Negative moneylines require more money to be bet that can be won, and exponential profits can be earned by wagering on positive odds.

    Football Over/Unders: The total amount of points that both teams are projected to combine for is represented by the over/under which is almost always the third element of a football betting line. Winning bets will correctly anticipate which side of the over or under the total will be.

    The word even means that the team in question has a 50/50 shot at winning the game, and will reward payouts that are equal to the amount wagered if they are victorious. Also notable is that just because the odds are even on one team, it doesn’t mean even odds will be granted to the other football team.

    Additional Football Betting Resources

    • 2024 NFL Season Preview – Here, you’ll find our preview for the upcoming NFL Season, which includes the top contenders to win AFC, NFC, and Super Bowl LVIII.
    • Thanksgiving Day Football Betting Guide - This is the perfect guide for anyone new to sports betting who would like to have a better understanding of how to bet on Turkey Day football games legally.
    • Madden Football Sims Betting Guide - Learn the ins and outs of betting on the popular Madden NFL football game and how you can get in on the action online. Madden sims are offered by online sportsbooks 365 days a year.